Their Hyde Park gig in 2018 had the biggest impact really. I said to many people after that show that I wouldn't be surprised if they end up headlining Glastonbury. I've seen The Cure many times but Hyde Park seemed like a big moment - the live sound and setup changed, the band looked happy and they also varied the setlists with a good mix of pop and more deeper cuts. There has been a quiet confidence from Robert Smith since then that hadn't been seen since about 1992.
The Cure had been steadily gaining momentum as a live act and big ticket seller since then, or prehaps even the 2016 tour.
It is sad - half of the band from 2009 are unfortunately no longer with us. Ben, Rick, Pegi all gone.
Anthony and Chad still around but not currently playing with Neil.
Neil has lost a lot of friends and collaborators over the past 15 years.